Using the best engine oil can help increase your car’s performance and fuel efficiency, while also helping reduce unnecessary wear on your engine, saving you from a nasty repair bill. It’s well worth looking at getting some good engine oil to keep your car in good working order.
All cars with an internal combustion engine will use engine oil, and most modern engines will require 5W30 engine oil. Engine oil performs the crucial function of keeping these metal internals lubricated so they don’t eat themselves over time. Oils also serve to prevent corrosion in the engines, and premium examples will even contain additives to improve engine performance.
Over time this oil will go from a golden honey-like colour to black as imperfections and metal shavings from the engine, which means it’s time for a change. Every car will need oil changes every now and again, more so if there’s ever a leak. It’s important to regularly check your engine oil to keep an eye out.
The issue is, that there are so many choices and different types of oil that it can all become quite confusing. Thankfully, we at Parkers have put together a list of the best engine oils for sale.
The best engine oils at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Castrol Edge 5W-30 LL Engine Oil 4L – Buy now from Amazon
Best engine oil for inner-city commuting: Castrol Magnatec Stop-Start – Buy now from Amazon
The best oil change service: Engine Oil and Filter Change – Buy now from Kwik Fit
How to find the right engine oil for your car
There are many engine oils to choose from, and not all will work with your engine. Information on what engine oil will work with your car can be found in your car’s handbook, or online services like Amazon Garage will allow you to enter your car’s details and filter oils that are guaranteed to work.
Find the correct oil for your car
Pros
- Really easy to filter the correct oils
- Great selection of oils from the top brands
Cons
- You'll need Prime for free delivery
The best engine oils in detail
Editor's pick
Pros
- An excellent engine oil
- Enhanced engine performance
Cons
- A small price premium
Best engine oil for diesels
Pros
- Premium performance
- Great against sludge
Cons
- Semi-synthetic is not as refined
Best engine oil for inner-city commuting
Pros
- Perfect for commuters
- Protects engines
Cons
- Slight price premium
Best engine oil for classics
Pros
- Built for older engines
- Comes in a charming tin
Cons
- Not designed for modern engines
The best oil change service
Pros
- No fuss option
- Ecologically dispose of old oil too
Cons
- Costs more than doing it yourself
FAQs: What you need to know about engine oils
Synthetic or semi-synthetic?
Most modern oils are either fully synthetic or a blend of natural and synthetic. Synthetic oils are developed in a lab and can be built to a higher quality than naturally sourced oils. This allows for better engine protection, but it does mean they will cost more.
Semi-synthetic offers some of the refinement and protection bonus of fully synthetic, without costing as much. If you’re shopping on a budget then it’s a good idea to look at getting a blend of the two.
When do I need to change my oil?
It’s very important to check your car’s oil levels regularly, otherwise, your engine can become damaged. Oil protects, cools and lubricates your engine (all vital jobs) but over time, this oil breaks down and needs replacing.
Your car’s handbook should indicate how often to change your car’s oil but the general rule is roughly every 12 months for modern vehicles (dependent on your mileage).
A great budget engine oil will still protect your car’s engine. As a semi-synthetic offering, it will keep your car’s internals lubricated but won’t have the additives other oils offer.
How to top up your engine oil
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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